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Actor Manoj Bajpayee describes time in state as ‘enriching and precious’
KOHIMA — After weeks of capturing Nagaland’s scenic beauty and unique culture as the backdrop for ‘The Family Man’ season 3, the production team, led by acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee, will soon be wrapping up filming in Kohima. The experience, by all accounts, has left a lasting impression on the cast and crew.
The highly anticipated third season of the spy action thriller, featuring Manoj Bajpayee, Sharib Hashmi, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Dalip Tahil, and Gul Panag, among others, has been filming in and around Kohima since early September. For Bajpayee and many others in the team, the experience marked his first visit to Nagaland.
Speaking with Eastern Mirror, Bajpayee expressed his awe at the state’s natural splendour, terming it as “so amazing that I cannot describe in words.”
He said his time in Nagaland has been “enriching and precious”, while praising the people, food, culture, and the eye-opening experience of encountering a new way of life.
Addressing those unfamiliar with Nagaland, the actor said, “I would really urge each and every person to come to Nagaland and experience this land and its uncorrupted, untouched, pure environmental beauty.”
Meanwhile, Bajpayee also pointed out areas for improvement. “The environment is so safe and uncorrupted. However, the only thing is the infrastructure — roads and transportation”, he noted.
A boost for tourism
The actor went on to say that ‘The Family Man’ will inspire viewers to experience the state’s beauty firsthand, and highlighted the production's commitment to showcasing local talent.
Bajpayee also encouraged fellow actors and directors seeking to film in the Northeast to consider Nagaland.
Echoing his sentiments, other crew members described their time in the state as “wonderful.”
This positive reception was further amplified when the state Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, along with Tourism Commissioner & Secretary, Dr. G Hukugha Sema, and Tourism Director, Veyielo Doulo, met with the cast and crew, inviting them to be part of the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival.
Bajpayee expressed interest in experiencing the festival, stating that he hopes to attend with his family, while Gul Panag shared her desire to return with her son.
“Will try and definitely work this out so that we (with Manoj) can come together if not separately”, she added.
While minister Along expressed concerns regarding the lack of five-star hotels to accommodate high-profile guests, both actors emphasised their appreciation for the existing infrastructure and the importance of preserving Nagaland’s unique character.
“Whatever is there is quite good!” they assured, adding that it is not necessary for every place to have five-star hotels to appreciate the region’s authentic charm. The duo emphasised the importance of maintaining the unique character of Nagaland’s cultural landscape.
During the interaction, the minister also expressed his belief that the series would significantly boost tourism and shift perceptions of Nagaland. He emphasised the state’s eagerness to collaborate with filmmakers and promote its unique culture, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes.
Meanwhile, sources from the production team shared that around 300 crew members came from Mumbai, while more than 500 crew members/volunteers from Kohima and other parts of Nagaland were part of the shooting.
‘The Family Man’ was created by Raj and DK, and it revolves around Srikant Tiwari (Manoj Bajpayee), a middle-class man who secretly works as an intelligence officer for the Threat Analysis and Surveillance Cell (TASC).
The third instalment of the show is expected to premiere in the early part of 2025.